Confidence restored by hearing implants

“The second Baha has made a significant difference, although it took me three months to learn to listen again from my right ear. Just being able to hear from both sides has given me so much confidence,” says Tim.

Baha uses bone conduction and is primarily suited to people who have conductive hearing losses

Tim, 61, was given a saxophone for his 58th birthday. He is determined to perform in front of an audience one day.

“My life has been shaped by my deafness, from the early days when I believed I was stupid, to getting on well in life. I was told I was tone deaf, I was never allowed to sing in the choir, and I believed what I was told. But my wife is a musician and she encouraged me. Music for me is the experience of playing and listening.

“Through playing I have learnt to really listen to music and I love that.”

Since retiring three years ago from his role as a teacher of the deaf in schools around Doncaster, Tim now works as a volunteer, giving talks and sharing experiences with other people who are thinking about having the Baha. He adds: “Speaking out gives you confidence and shows the world that you are not beaten by your disability. You become a part of the process that makes life better for all deaf and hearing impaired people.”

* Lollipop, the charity which gives support to children and their families who have a hearing impairment has chosen Deaf Awareness Week (May 2 to 8) to hold a special event. In April the charity was awarded a Big Lottery Fund Award of £198,005. To celebrate they are holding an special event on Saturday (6pm - 9pm) for families of hearing imparied children from York and North Yorkshire at Creepy Crawlies Playsite, Wigginton Road, York. Contact [email protected] for more information.